Cedar Garden Bench
Quick-to-make, casual seating designed to beat back the elements
Synopsis: The goal with this bench was to build something beautiful that could withstand years out in the weather without a finish. So furniture maker Jessica Wickham began by choosing Port Orford cedar, a strong, exceptionally weather-resistant wood. Then she designed a bench with a thick trestle base and a seat made up of ribs that have a gentle arc on their top edge so water will run off. Along with stainless-steel hardware, this ensures a long life outside.
When I was asked to design a bench for a garden at the Chuang yen Monastery in Carmel, N.Y., my goal was to build something beautiful that would age gracefully outdoors. My first step was to pick a wood that could withstand years in the weather—even without a finish.
My thoughts traveled to the magnificent wooden buildings I had visited in kamakura, japan—a historic city brimming with meticulously crafted…
Start your 14-day FREE trial to continue reading this story.
Plus, access more than 1,900 in-depth articles and more when you become a member.
Start Your Free Trial NowAlready a member? Log In
Comments
If domino M&T joinery is used, best to put in the Festool sipo dominoes, which are rot-proof. Or make your own from the cedar off-cuts. Water easily gets into M&T joints and can stay there, encouraging the fungus. They can rot internally, as many a field gate or garden gate will testify.
Log in or become a member to post a comment.
Sign up Log in